April 26

Well, we came to the nice Internet club today and got a really horrible keyboard. Keyboards really do play a trick in the Internet experience.

So, I'm going to do my best to enjoy typing as much as I can about my wonderful life in Ukraine!

What a marvelous week we had and I am super excited to tell you about it! Marina is finally ready to get baptized! She had been coming to church on and off since the winter. We began meeting with her at the start of this transfer and immediately tried to understand why she had not accepted baptism. Yesterday, she explained that she knows that this church is true, and she wants to get baptized, but she is afraid of giving up her culture and traditions of her family, which are a part of her life. She said that she always feels a great deal of love in the church she was baptized in as a child (Provoslavnic). We again explained the importance of baptism and how as a Ukrainian she can always reverence and respect the culture and traditions of her past. She agreed to trust us and put her faith to the test! Well, I am of course super happy, but I am also very worried. I feel like we are carrying something super precious and valuable through the rough winds and waves of a storm. But, I know that it is the most important thing she can do right now, and I am trying to do everything to help her believe that. I am amazed at her courage, at the courage of all people who agree to come to the church without support from their family. So, that will be our next step: meeting with her family - we will start with her twin sister!

Another miracle happened yesterday! Sister Larisa came to church! She left the runok where she works and came to sacrament! She left quickly, but we ran after her and gave her a big hug! It was incredible to see her there!

I am so thankful for the blessings of serving a mission. We can dedicate our lives to the Lord! I am thankful for the growth that I am making and for the forgiveness that is always constantly available!

I am also thankful for my companions I have had this transfer! I am so amazed at the testimony and sacrifice of these girls I've served with! I love them! I really feel blessed for what they were able to do here in Kmelnetsky! And, now Marina has two great friends who can support and help her! Plus, I've grown in character, and they've helped me tons in speaking Ukrainian!

Oh, another interesting event in our week. Our branch had a helping hands project on Tuesday. We cleaned up a beautiful park in the city. Somehow it happened that there was a camera crew, and they were very interested in the 5 crazy Americans and 1 beautiful Ukrainian who were cleaning up a park in white vests. So, they asked me to give an interview. I know I wasn't the best pick -especially in speaking the language - but it was certainly a fun experience! It sparked some pride in the members’ eyes and they planted some good missionary seeds! Hopefully there will be some harvesting soon!

Well, we still have lots of work to do! But, it's fun!

Thanks for all your support!

Wow, there really is something in your stomach....BABY!

Are those its head and arms? Oh my! How exciting! I bet you were ecstatic when you finally saw! How fun.

Cute baby!

What is his name?

I wasn't born in Idaho, but I will still be a potato farmer! It's garden time and Ukrainians all have gardens and lots of cream from their happy little cows!

Moo...

Please tell Will that the cows here don't have wings, only the ducks and chickens that flock around in their yards.

Yummy!

I love corn bread and I miss chili! I don't like meat either, and everyone thinks I am a vegetarian.

Beans are a pain to cook aren't they! You should wash them overnight and then viola! THE EMPEROR HAS NEW CLOTHES! (Ask Sarah if she remembers...)

Well, we aren't allowed to drink the water. Maybe I drank some in the shower. The toilets I use every day would make you squirm. I have loads of diseases. One already has a name...Ivan....

I LOVE YOU AND YOUR AVOCADO!

I want an avocado now!

Love you!

Sis!